A Generation of Couch Potatoes

Lots of teenagers have posters of their sports hero on their bedroom wall. But do they follow the healthy examples set by these athletes? British parents are worried that young people are not as fit and healthy as in the past. Why is this?

According to British Heart Foundation, 13 to 15-year olds are spending too much time doing sedentary activities such as watching TV or playing computer games. A special report describes a generation of couch potatoes, young people sitting around at home, growing up in their bedrooms, travelling by car are in serious risk of heart disease as they get older. Is it their fault? Are young people lazy?

Many parents don’t allow their children to play outside or walk to school by themselves. “I ring my Dad on my mobile and he picks me up from the station. It’s a 10-minute walk from home but he thinks it is dangerous, “says 14-year-old Carrie. Some teenagers blame their overprotective parents for making them unfit. It is certainly becoming more difficult to encourage young people to have an active life and protect their hearts. In recent years schools have spent less time on sports. “My Mum played tennis at school, but we don’t have time for that now because we have so many exams to study for,” says Ben 16.